I think we fool ourselves and really negate a great deal of history if we think that the oral history of poetry is shorter than the written history of poetry. It's not true. Poetry has a longer oral tradition than it does written.

He attended Newburgh Free Academy where he wrote his song "Black Stacey". The Chicago stage allowed Williams to attract a wider audience. After releasing a string of EPs in 2001 he released the LP Amethyst Rock Star with producer Rick Rubin and in September 2004 his self-titled album to much acclaim.

He is known for his blend of poetry and alternative hip hop and for his lead role in the 1998 film Slam.